Coronation of Pope Pius III
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Authors
Pintoricchio
Date
Type
image
Language
Keyword
Coronation , Pope , Pius III
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this fresco in Siena Cathedral above the entrance to the Piccolomini Library the central figure, Pope Pius III, has been sculpted in relief (presumably in stucco) before being painted and gilded. This adds to the vivid realism and splendor of the scene. Pius, who was in ill health and reigned for less than a month before his death in 1503, was a member of the Piccolomini family of Siena, and many local people were portrayed in the scene. The image was created soon after (likely in 1504). Therefore, the Sienese would see in the image people they knew well, including the recent pope, vividly present in three-dimensions. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Description
Cathedral, Siena
Citation
Pietro Scarpellini and Maria Rita Silvestrelli, Pintoricchio (Milan: Federico Motta, 2003),